Tackling the Aerial Arts

Web Extra: We put Julia Langenberg’s promise that anyone can learn aerials to the test during an intro to aerials class

By Kathleen Petty

It took just moments before we were all exchanging nervous glances with one another. Aerialist and instructor Julia Langenberg was teaching us a few of the basics that go along with aerial arts during a beginner course in her Blue Star Arts Complex studio, and we were about to attempt the grand finale. We’d already learned to stand on the knot tied between the two flowing pieces of fabric hanging from the high ceiling and progressed to pushing ourselves—and the fabric—into a delicate plank position up in the air. But, this last trick looked like a bit of a stretch for us mere beginners.

Langenberg promised with her as a spotter, we’d have no trouble at all and proceeded to demonstrate by flipping herself over, pushing her feet into a wide second position and letting her arms fly free so she was hanging gracefully upside down in the air, while suspended by the fabric. “As you build more strength and coordination, you’re able to do more in the air,” she says, flipping herself back over and hopping back to the floor so one of us could try.

We— Editor in Chief Rebecca Fontenot, Associate Editor Kathleen Petty and Associate Publisher Kathie Anderson (along with her 10-year-old daughter, Zoe)—had arrived at Langenberg’s open Thursday evening beginner class as a bit of a test. A former SeaWorld aerialist and now owner of Aerial Horizon, Langenberg promised when we interviewed her for our September issue that anyone can learn the art of aerials. Langenberg and her staff teach around 70 students a week, ranging from children to adults in their late 60s, but we wanted to see for ourselves whether it is something everyone can tackle.

After a bit of coaxing, we each tried the final upside down maneuver and eventually were hanging—albeit a little less gracefully than Langenberg—up in the air. Rebecca said while it was scary the first time, she got more comfortable with it. “It was a thrill to stretch out arms and legs while wrapped and dangling upside down in the fabric,” she says. Kathie, whose daughter, a gymnast, had no problem with the acrobatic feat, wasn’t quite as sure about the whole experience. “I expected it to be easier than it was since I do exercise regularly,” she says. “I soon realized that it was a skill set that I do not possess. The instructor is so skilled that it only looks easy!”

We all agreed as we exited the studio after class that Langenberg demonstrates with such ease that the movements look much easier than they are. But, we also all agreed the art form was fun to try and something that everyone can learn—at least to some extent. Here, find some thoughts from each of us on the experience.

On what we expected:

Rebecca: “I didn't really know what to expect from the class. Part of the art of aerials is that the performers make it look so weightless and simple. I knew it wasn't actually, but it's hard to imagine what it feels like until you've done it yourself. I found out that a strong core and upper body are essential and that it takes a lot concentration.”

Kathleen: “I expected it to be tough, but didn’t know what to expect as far as what types of movements we would actually be learning. I grew up dancing, which Langenberg said can help, but quickly learned that while some of the basic arm and leg movements are similar, dancing on the ground is much different than dancing in the air.”

The most challenging part was:

Kathie: “The most challenging part was putting all of the elements together and doing so with any grace at all.”

Rebecca: “The most challenging part was learning a routine while pushing your body to do things outside of its normal comfort zone. Thinking about where my hands were supposed to go, when to arabesque, when to bring my knees up and whether I would have the strength to lift myself into the next position took a lot of brain power. I had no space left to think about looking graceful and therefore did not, at all. The upside: I also had no room to worry about falling. I expected to be concerned about that—despite that we were only inches off the ground and not hundreds of feet as professional aerialists often are—but I felt completely secure in the fabric.”

The most enjoyable part was:

Zoe: “The most fun part was being above the ground and getting to do what performers do.”

Kathleen: “I loved the feeling of being off the ground while still having the support of the fabrics. When I watched Langenberg move herself into a plank position or flip herself upside down, I thought there was no way I would be able to replicate her movements. Figuring out that I could, to some extent, complete the sequences she taught us was a lot of fun and left me wanting to learn more.”

Would you recommend the class:

Rebecca: “I would absolutely recommend the beginner's class. Julia Langenberg and her fellow professionals were great instructors—very patient and encouraging. Grab a few friends and give it a try. You might surprise yourself and be a natural—at the least, it will be a fun evening.”

Kathie: “When you go to the beginner class, go with an open mind and have fun! I enjoy trying new things. You never know when you may have an ‘ah-ha’ moment.”